Charlene wasn’t going to think about that part of the incident, but Xena reminded her of it. Lowering her eyes, she said, “I’m aware of that.”“Well, then. Why did you save Avery? If Andrew finds out you’re this messed up because you risked yourself to save someone else, he’s going to be heartbroken.”“Don’t tell Andrew about this.”“How do you figure you can hide it from him? It’s on the news. That’s why I came here. Do you really think he’s not going to see it, too?”Charlene was distraught, “Well, what should I do? Please help me take it off the news, Xena. Perhaps he hasn’t seen it yet. I know I should walk away from Avery, but I just can’t do it…”Bending down, Xena hugged her. “Alright. I know what you mean…”She wept. “Michelle doesn’t deserve him at all. She was such a hypocrite. Michelle would talk to me nastily when we were alone and change when Quintus was around.“She was trying to scare me away a second ago, and then she’d switch tracks and beg me to stop chasing he
Charlene sighed and stared at him, frightened. Her eyes fluttered, and her lips tightened. However, she still responded, "Mhm."Avery took a deep breath, glanced at his phone, and walked straight out.Charlene's gaze followed him as he walked away, listening to the gradually fading sound of his footsteps and his instructions for the caregiver to take care of her. Her heart suddenly felt empty.He left to meet Michelle, leaving Charlene in the hands of the caregiver.Charlene’s blank in that instant, feeling as if she hadn't breathed for half an eternity. She sighed and suppressed her tears. Charlene knew she could not cry because she made Avery leave.Why should she feel aggrieved? But despite her efforts, she couldn't help but let the tears flow freely. She covered her eyes so no one would know she was crying.The caregiver, a woman in her forties who had just started working, asked, "Miss Charlene, are you okay?"Charlene remained motionless and pretended not to hear anything.
Avery chuckled. "Hungry, aren't you? My mom's chicken soup is the best in the world. She hasn't been feeling well these past few years, and we haven't had it in a long time. You should try it."Charlene pushed the bowl away, "Then you drink it."Avery advised as he gently stirred the soup, "Charlie, don't overthink for others in the future. People are selfish. You should think of yourself first and then consider others. My mom made this soup for you. Even if you want to give it to someone else, it should be after you've finished drinking it, understand?"Charlene looked into his eyes and nodded.Avery then asked, "Did you cry just now?"Charlene's gaze dodged for a moment, stubbornly saying, "No."Avery sighed, "Didn't you listen to Xena? It’s natural for me to take care of you. Even if it's Michelle, she has no right to make a scene. Even if you want to sacrifice for us, wait until you're better before doing so."Charlene explained, "I didn't force her to leave you, and I didn'
Michelle showed displeasure at being interrupted, and she spoke coldly, "Didn't you know you should knock before entering?"The caregiver apologized and continued, "Mr. Avery, Ms. Charlie just vomited again. She doesn't look well. Please go check on her!"Avery glanced at Michelle, "You rest. I'll go take a look."Michelle stopped him, "No, you can't. Avery, you promised to accompany me. My chest still hurts."Avery tried to reason with her, "There's no one looking after Charlie. Ask your mother to stay with you for a while. I'll go check and come back, okay?""But there’s a caregiver." Michelle snapped, "Besides, what could happen to her? Isn't it just a coincidence that she fell ill as soon as you arrived? She's clearly trying to get you to go back and trying to compete with me for you."The caregiver hurriedly explained, "No, she really did vomit, and she seems to be in a lot of pain, sweating profusely, and she might have a fever. I..."Michelle's tone turned sharp, "If that
Andrew had been through a rough journey, and before seeing his sister, he was worried about all sorts of unexpected situations for her.He could not contain his anger when he saw Charlene lying there safe and sound.He pinched her ear, "What do you think you're doing?"Avery tried to stop him, "Hey, don't lay a hand on her."Andrew looked at him, and his gaze was like a sharp blade piercing through flesh.Avery was surprised. Charlene’s brother had such a strong presence.But he still insisted, "She had a concussion, and you shouldn't touch her like this."Charlene spoke softly, "Yeah, this hurts."Andrew nodded, "Fine, I'll settle the score with you when you're better." He let go and sat on the chair beside the bed, asking, "What did the doctor say?"Charlene replied, "It's nothing serious, just a concussion. I'll be fine after resting for a few days."Andrew clenched his teeth in frustration, "Why do I feel like you're not remorseful at all? Do you realize you almost lost y
Avery was dumbfounded. How could Andrew suggest such a mismatch?"No. I have no feelings for Charlie. Isn't a forced marriage unpleasant?"Andrew frowned, "It may be unpleasant, but who decides if it's sweet or not? It’s enough if my sister finds it sweet. So, wait for her to be discharged, and then you can get married."Avery hurriedly said, "A loveless marriage is unfair to her."Andrew glanced back, "If you also feel it's unfair to her, then treat her better.""No, I can take care of Charlie and do my best to treat her well. You can’t force emotions! Besides, I already have a girlfriend."Andrew's hand was already on the handle of the safety door. He clenched his teeth, and the suppressed anger and hostility emanated from him.He suddenly turned around and punched Avery in the face."You bastard! You really have no shame."Avery had not prepared for this. Andrew's punch sent him tumbling down the stairs. He touched his bleeding nose, thankful it did not break. However, he c
Charlene murmured in distress, "No, I'm begging you. Please don't make things difficult for him anymore. I'll handle my affairs, okay?"Andrew frowned, "You still want to be his bodyguard?"Charlene's gaze seemed distant, "No, I don't want to make things difficult for him. I'll go home with you once they discharge me. I'll try to forget about him."Andrew remained silent for a moment.Avery listened to their conversation outside the room and fell into silence as well. Logically, he would feel relieved if she stopped bothering him. But why was he feeling so heavy-hearted? It seemed wrong as if he should not let down a girl who treated him so wholeheartedly. But what could he give her in return? She wanted him to love her, but he didn't.He could not understand. Was it betraying Charlene to pretend not to understand her feelings, or was it betraying her to pretend to cater to her feelings? He knocked on the door and walked in.Andrew saw Avery and angrily shouted, "Get out!"Cha
Charlene expressed her disdain as her brother spoke too loudly, "Andrew, please leave quickly. Don't let Quintus hear you.""Indeed, women are not easy to deal with. Nothing happened yet, and you're already finding faults. What's so good about that pretty boy?""Everything.""Even if he's good, he's not yours. He has a girlfriend."Charlene glared at him angrily. Andrew was annoying and always ruined her chances, even in her dreams.Andrew compromised: "Alright. So, what if he has a girlfriend? You still have a chance if they're not married. If all else fails, find an opportunity to make a move on him while he's asleep."Charlene was startled by the suggestion and quickly glanced at Avery. Then she angrily glared at Andrew, "Lower your voice. Do you want me to be even more embarrassed?""Forget it! Nothing I say is right anyway. I'm leaving, okay?"Charlene waved goodbye.Andrew glared at his ungrateful sister and advised, "Take care of yourself."Charlene nodded obediently,